Summer Programs at Libraries Cancelled in Mississauga

More bad news for the city's library users -- library summer programs have been cancelled due to the ongoing labour dispute, The Mississauga News reports.

According to The News, programming has been cancelled up to July 17 because of the strike by CUPE Local 1989. All 18 Mississauga libraries have had to cancel 115 programs for children and teens and the scrapped programs include the Lakeview Library Block Party, the Amazing (Library) Race, Maker Mississauga programs, TD Summer Reading Club activities and paid performances and story times.

If you paid to attend these programs, you will be eligible for a full refund when the libraries re-open.

As you may or may not know, library workers ceased working on July 4 after a negotiation breakdown between the Mississauga Library Board, the city and CUPE 1989 occurred. Areas of contention include fair compensation issues, benefits and replacing full-time staff with part-time workers.

Laura Kaminker, CUPE 1989 president, told The News they were "on strike for fairness and respect and decent working conditions." Kaminker told the newspaper that 56 per cent of library workers are part-time employees with no paid vacation, benefits, sick time or bereavement leave. She also added that fluctuating schedules make it difficult for part-time staff to find other employment opportunities.

According to The News, the city claims that over 50 per cent of workers are paid between $21.97 and $26.64 per hour and that full-time librarians earn between $52,000 and $57,000 a year.

Unhappy workers have been picketing in front of the Central Library.

If you want education programming this summer, you can see what's available at recreational and community centres.